Popular protests in China: the Party appeals for "unity and stability"

Beijing (AsiaNews/Scmp) - The authorities issued a stern warning after a series of violent protests across the country, emphasising the Communist Party's leadership and the need to abide by the law.

The People's Daily vowed on Thursday in a front-page commentary that no illegal attempts to disrupt social stability would be tolerated as the country went through a critical stage of reform.

"Unity and stability are the overarching themes for the country and the people's wishes," it said, noting the source of growing social unrest lay within the contrasting interests of various groups. "However, resolving any such problems must be done in line with the laws and the maintenance of stability. The solution of any problems must rely on the party, the governments, laws, policies and the system.

"Any illegal activities are not to be allowed and will be punished in accordance with laws."

The commentary, also carried by Xinhua and state television, urged local authorities to actively deal with "instability factors" to prevent widespread public dissatisfaction from spreading or turning into violence.

Analysts said the warning was not unexpected, given that several senior officials had talked openly about increasing concern by the central leadership about the riots and protests.

Beijing-based political scientist Liu Junning said the issuing of such a strongly worded commentary showed President Hu Jintao was intent on taking a strong stance to maintain social stability.

Professor Liu noted that several recent "mass incidents" in southern provinces, mainly over compensation disputes after land requisitions, were yet to be settled.

"The People's Daily article can serve as a guideline for local authorities on how to deal with similar mass protests in the future," he said.

The commentary coincided with a report that 2,000 farmers had clashed with hundreds of police last week in a land dispute in Inner Mongolia that left dozens injured.

The number of mass protests has shot up from about 10,000 in 1994 to more than 74,000 last year, security officials report.

:

:

Human rights activists : " Closeness to Hong Kong is stimulating the desire for democracy in the province".

12/12/2011 CHINAProtester dies in jail. Riots over confiscated land on the riseHe was arrested three days ago. Officially, he died from "cardiac arrest". Falun Gong members, bishops and priests die in prison for torture. "Mass incidents" that see clashes between police and demonstrators grew to 180 thousand in 2010.

22/04/2008 CHINAUprisings in Yunnan and Hainan: police fire on the crowdsFarmers are rebelling against the appropriation of their land, destined for the mining industry or for golf courses. One has been killed and five wounded in Saixi; 300 have been wounded in Longqiao. The campaign against Tibet used as a smokescreen to conceal domestic problems.

21/11/2008 CHINABeijing wants to implement more social justice, to prevent protestsA member of the Politburo says that social problems and injustices must be resolved, to prevent protests. But police presence will be increased in rural areas. Meanwhile, in Gansu, the governor reassures demonstrators that he will hear their requests, but the police are arresting them.

As Iraqi troops advance in the Nineveh Plain and Mosul, a new wave of refugees could overshadow the fate of other refugees who found hospitality in Kurdistan. People need kerosene, winter clothes, aid for children, and money for rent. The campaign AsiaNews launched two years ago is more urgent than ever. Give up a superfluous gift to offer refugees an essential gift for life.

In a letter Fr. Samir Youssef describes the situation of refugees, exiled from their home for more than two years. They are closely following the offensive to retake Mosul, although their homes and churches "are for the most part" burned or destroyed. With the arrival of winter there is a serve lack of heating oil, clothes, food and money to pay for their children’s school bus. An appeal to continue to support the AsiaNews campaign.